Your Winning Strategy for Universal’s Epic Universe: How to Maximize a Single Day
The results are in—Universal’s Epic Universe is a win. As Orlando’s newest theme park, it’s already making waves, and rightfully so. I got the chance to preview the park before it opened, and I walked away impressed—and accomplished. I tested strategies that helped me experience far more than most people around me, and now I’m sharing them with you.
This guide will keep it simple and practical, giving you a plan to make the most of a single day in the park. Whether you're a seasoned park-goer or it's your first visit, this approach works—and not just at Epic. I’ve used the same core strategy across parks in multiple states. Here's the golden rule:
Go where the crowds don’t.
Most guests stop at the first attraction they see or head straight to whatever’s most popular. If you zig while they zag, you’ll set yourself up for a far better day.
Step 1: Get There Early—Really Early
If you're not a passholder, you'll need to redeem your confirmation code for a ticket at Guest Relations. Important: do this before going through security, or you’ll have to backtrack and go through security twice.
Plan to be in line to walk to attractions at least 45 minutes before rope drop—not just in the guest services line either, but in the actual line to rush into the park at rope drop. Being early gives you the edge to walk onto your first ride and build serious momentum for the rest of your day.
While you wait, you’ll be in full sun, so bring sunscreen, an umbrella, or whatever helps you manage heat. There’s limited seating, though you can rest on a concrete rail if needed.
Step 2: When the Rope Drops, Walk With Purpose
Don’t run—but do move with intent. A little hustle (being 5% faster than the crowd) can get you to the front. Most people wander in without urgency, so if you have it, you’re ahead.
But don’t go where they go.
Here’s what most people do:
Head straight to Nintendo Land
Or rush to How to Train Your Dragon
Both become packed almost instantly. And the Harry Potter area (Ministry of Magic) - that ride uses virtual queues only, so showing up early doesn’t help there either.
So what should you do?
Butterbeer Crepe in Epic Universe Paris
Step 3: Go Left—To Dark Universe or Stardust Racers
Epic Universe is built around a circular hub. If most people go to Nintendo Land you go toward:
Dark Universe (Universal Monsters-themed land)
Stardust Racers (intense coaster, think VelociCoaster-level)
Here’s the smart play:
Hit Monsters Unchained first in Dark Universe.
Then head to Curse of the Werewolf, which should also be a walk-on.
Pro tip: There’s a hidden shortcut into Dark Universe. Instead of going through the main themed portal, look for a large iron gate just before it on the left side of the hub. Go through that and bear left—you’ll beat a good portion of the crowd who don’t know it exists.
Mine-Cart Madness cart jumping Track
What to Expect as the Day Goes On
Once those first few rides are under your belt, expect wait times to climb across the park. Here’s what I noticed:
Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness consistently had the longest wait. If you're a Nintendo fan, you’ll likely want to ride—but be ready to wait unless you buy an Express Pass.
Stardust Racers and Dark Universe rides had shorter waits later in the day - but never as low as rope drop.
How to Train Your Dragon rides stayed steady all day—so fit those in based on your group’s interests and tolerance for lines.
If you’re with young kids or skipping intense coasters, then start with How to Train Your Dragon instead of Dark Universe. And definitely save Nintendo Land for later—you won’t beat the crowds there anyway as the hotel early entry crowds are already there pushing wait times to the max.
How To Train Your Dragon
Final Tips
This strategy gives you the best shot at a strong start without paying extra for Express Pass. That early momentum sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Avoid wasting time on food, shopping, or sightseeing first thing in the morning—focus on riding. With Harry Potter being virtual queue and Nintendo staying slammed all day, there’s no shortcut for those unless you're paying for access.
At the time of writing, line times felt shorter than a typical Disney park, but keep in mind: the park wasn’t at full capacity yet. As summer hits, crowds will grow, so getting there early and moving smart will matter even more.
Bonus Strategy: If You’re Staying at a Universal Hotel with Early Entry
Staying at a Universal hotel comes with a huge advantage: Early Park Admission! The same basic rule still applies—be early and be ready to move—but if you’re a Nintendo fan, this changes the game.
Here’s why:
With Early Entry, there’s no crowd ahead of you, so heading straight into Super Nintendo World becomes a great move. You’ll be at the front of the pack, giving you the best shot at short waits on Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness.
Do Donkey Kong first.
It gets the longest wait during the day, so knocking it out early is a big win. Then, if you want to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you might find it has a shorter wait later in the afternoon or evening.
Epic Universe Paris
Final Tip: VIP Access & Hotel Stays Make It Easy
If you’re looking for the smoothest experience possible, VIP tours are pricey—but they take all the pressure off. Zero stress, minimal waiting, and maximum fun. Staying at a Universal hotel also gives you that early jump, which makes a real difference in a park this popular.
Ready to visit Epic Universe or any Universal park?
Click the “Get a Quote” button for free help from a pro—we’ll help you find the best rates, best strategies, and the best way to start your day right.
Enjoy the adventure—and may your day at Epic Universe be, well, epic.
Darkmoor Village Windmill